“It is my honour to send on this esteemed invitation and bio of our incredible volunteer and advocate for women & girls and member of our club, Soroptimist International Canada West Online, Megin Alvarez. Tomorrow Megin will be receiving the King Charles III Coronation medal for her volunteerism. We are so proud of you Megin.”
Megin Alvarez, born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada at a young age, has beautifully embraced the richness of both cultures. Growing up with hard-working immigrant parents striving for a brighter future, she learned early on the profound impact of kindness. The compassion and generosity shown to her family by Canadians ignited her passion for non-profits and activism. She was determined to lead a meaningful life.
For 27 years, Megin has dedicated herself to the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Service Society as a family support worker and foster mom, instilling resilience and hope in the families and children she serves.
Continuing her journey with her foster children, who proudly represent their First Nation culture from – Nis’Ga Nation, Lil’wat Nation, and Squamish Nation – Megin ensures they maintain connections with their biological parents and engage in cultural events and Pow Wows, nurturing their cultural identities just as her mother cherished her Filipino heritage. Understanding one’s roots fosters strength and courage.
Together with her husband, Megin founded Meaningful Volunteer, building two remarkable solar-powered schools in Uganda and Nepal. These schools, equipped with rain catchers and edible schoolyards, continue to benefit countless children and families.
She firmly believes that empowering women is fundamental to healing the world. With an all-female staff, these schools stand as shining examples of leadership and inspiration.
As a co-founder and board member of Girls Matter, Megin has opened countless opportunities for Ugandan females to pursue higher education, uplifting entire communities in the process.
Megin’s profound understanding of how cultural identity can be a source of strength and courage is truly inspiring.
To learn more about Megin and Meaningful Volunteer, please visit www.meaningfulvolunteer.org
